Can the issue fee be refunded?

The issue fee can be refunded under certain circumstances:

• If an application is withdrawn from issue, a refund of the issue fee may be requested.
• Refunds are subject to a $50 processing fee.
• The request for refund must be filed within two years from the date of payment of the issue fee.

MPEP 1306 states: “The Office will not refund the issue fee if the application is not published as a patent because the application was abandoned or withdrawn from issue, or because the applicant failed to pay the issue fee. See MPEP § 1306.01.”

To learn more:

• issue fee
• refund
• withdrawn application
• processing fee
• refund request